The COMPASS Test of ACT

Question Types in ACT - A Brief Overview

The COMPASS is a computer
adapted examination that allows students to be placed in suitable
courses in colleges, based on their aptitude. However, this is not a
run-of-the-mill test like many others as there is no concept of
pass/fail init.
In short, there is no passing score for the students; moreover the
results of this test are delivered to the candidates as soon as the
test is completed, which is convenient for them to decide the course
that should be chosen by them for pursuing further studies.

The Sections of COMPASS Test

The following skills of the students are tested in the COMPASS Test:

Reading Skills

Writing Skills

Mathematics

Essay Writing

English as Second Language or ESL

Duration of COMPASS Test

As far as the duration is concerned, the candidates can take as much
time as they would require for completing each section of the test.
Therefore, the focus of each applicant should be on the content of the
test and their efforts should be oriented towards their performances in
order to choose their preferred courses in college.

Section-wise Question Types in COMPASS Test

Reading Skills Test: The Reading Skills Test is further divided into two categories:

The Reading Placement Test: This test consists of multiple-choice questions that are based on five types of comprehension passages including Practical Reading, Prose Fiction, Humanities, Social Sciences and Natural Sciences. According to the new layout of Windows,
the computer screen has two halves and the takers will have the
opportunity to view the reading passage on one side of the screen and
answer the questions that are present on the other side.

The Reading Diagnostic Test: In this test, the multiple-choice questions are based on the components of comprehension, vocabulary and reader profile.

The scores of this test will determine whether the test takers have
adequate skills that are tested in this section for attaining success
with course placement in a college or whether they need any additional
support on the topics.

Writing Skills Test: When it comes to Writing Skills,
the test takers should be able to locate the errors in an essay that is
provided to them by answering multiple-choice questions. It is
categorized in the following sections:

Usage Mechanics: In this option, the students must
be able to find out the errors related to Punctuation, Basic Usage of
Grammar and Sentence Structure.

Rhetorical Skills: The errors in this passage are related to Strategy, Organization and Style.

The scores of this section demonstrate the skills of writing of the
candidates thereby allowing them to choose suitable courses for
beginners in college.

Mathematics: There are multiple choice questions in
this section that covers a wide range of topics and tests the following
skills of candidates:

Basic Skills

Application Skills

Analysis Skills

The questions for testing these skills are based on Numerical Skills or Pre Algebra, Geometry, College Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry. Besides this, the test takers have to answer 15 questions on Mathematics Diagnostic Tests and there are seven and eight questions each on Pre - Algebra and Algebra.

Essay Writing: In this section, the students
are presented with a Writing Task consisting of a problem or an issue
based in a community or a school. Thereafter, the test takers have to
put forth their opinion and clarify the premises on which the opinions
are formed. The scores in this section are based on arguments that are
formed by the test takers and the clarity of the same.

Importance of COMPASS Test

The COMPASS test is a kind of precursor for all those students who
want to choose their preferred subjects in college. There is a wide
range of subjects on which the skills of the students are assessed in this
test and scoring well in it allows them to begin their college studies
with the courses or subjects of their choice. However, it is the
responsibility of each test taker to find out the score requirements of
the college or the institution in which he intends to study.